Photo Gallery » Bridges in Stańczyki
Behind seven hills, behind seven forests, behind seven rivers, in north-eastern Poland, near the border with Russia, on the edge of the Romincka Forest, in the small village of Stańczyki, there are two huge railway bridges, over which trains have not run for over 75 years. And this is not a fairy tale, but the truest truth :-)
If you want to fly a drone near the bridges, remember that this is a border zone and you need to report the flight to the Border Guard - just call: +48 89 750 30 11 and ask for permission.
The bridges in Stańczyki have always intrigued me and were on my "must see" list in Poland. Therefore, when we decided to go to Giżycko to see Masuria in the fall, we also took a trip to the north to see these interesting bridges.
Picture number (ID): 2369 Google Map
Stańczyki are situated in the northern part of the Masurian Lake District near the border with Russia in a region known as Masuria Garbate. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Masuria.
Picture number (ID): 2372 Google Map
There is a large free car park next to the bridges in Stańczyki. There are benches and tables there, so you can rest for a while after sightseeing. There you can also buy souvenirs in the summer season at the parking lot. There is a fee to enter the bridges - the price is rather moderate - in October 2021 an adult ticket cost PLN 8.
Picture number (ID): 2367 Google Map
The bridges were built at the beginning of the 20th century. The southern bridge was completed in 1917 and the northern bridge in 1918. The tracks were laid on only one bridge. The 35-kilometer railway line ran from the Gołdap through Botkuny, Dubeninki, Stańczyki, Pobłędzie to Żytkiejm. On October 1, 1927, trains began to run on this route. What you can see from above on the bridges are not tracks - they are just a shadow from the railings that looks like a track. The railway line was dismantled by the liberation army from behind the eastern border in 1945 and since then the bridges are only a reminder of the power of Prussia.
Picture number (ID): 2370 Google Map
The bridges are huge 5-span structures made of reinforced concrete. The bridges are 180 meters long, and at the highest point 36.5 meters high and were to be a symbol of the economic and military power of Prussia. In Poland, we know from somewhere such powerful and unnecessary investments...
Picture number (ID): 2368 Google Map
There is a new lookout tower in Stańczyki at the entrance from Gołdap. You can see it in the photo in the distance.
Picture number (ID): 2371 Google Map
Aqueducts of the Romincka Forest
Due to their architecture and location, the bridges are sometimes called the Romincka Forest Aqueducts. This great forest begins just beyond the bridges, as can be seen in this photo.
Picture number (ID): 2373 Google Map
I have to say that the bridges are impressive. Huge spans, gigantic concrete legs and the height when you stand on the bridge and look down. When visiting Masurian Lake District, it is worth going north and seeing these impressive historic buildings. More photos from this trip can be seen in the gallery Autumn in Masuria.
Picture number (ID): 2366 Google Map
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